Spool organizer and method

ABSTRACT

A spool organizer includes an elongate trough, having end walls on opposing ends, a back configured for attachment to a generally vertical support structure, and a generally open top, whereby spools of elongate material can be placed side-by-sided in the trough in a generally upright orientation.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/080,477, filed on Jul. 14, 2008, and entitled SPOOL ORGANIZER.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to devices that are used for holding and organizing bulk supplies that are stored on spools, such as ribbons, string, and the like.

2. Related Art

People involved in scrapbooking, sewing, hobbies, crafts and the like often use a variety of materials that are stored on spools, such as ribbon, lace, wire, etc. For these hobbyists it is frequently desirable to keep a wide variety of such materials on hand and readily accessible. While there are a variety of devices that have been developed for storing spools of goods, these can be prone to various characteristics that complicate their use. For example, many spool storage devices place spools on a dowel or rod that passes through a central aperture in each spool, and which must be disconnected or manipulated in some way in order to remove or add a spool to the rod. Additionally, removal of a spool that is not at an endmost position on the rod typically requires removal of other spools in order to retrieve the desired one. Many spool storage systems also present some difficulty or complexity when removing material from a spool and measuring and cutting a desired portion.

SUMMARY

It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a device that holds and organizes spools of material in a convenient, easy to use manner, and which holds spools of multiple sizes.

It has also been recognized that it would be advantageous to have such a device that allow spools to be added or removed easily, without having to manipulate the holding device.

In accordance with one embodiment thereof, the present invention provides a spool organizer, comprising an elongate trough, having end walls on opposing ends, a back configured for attachment to a generally vertical support structure, and having a generally open top, whereby spools of elongate material can be placed side-by-sided in the trough in a generally upright orientation.

In accordance with another aspect thereof, the invention provides a spool organizer, comprising an elongate trough, having end walls on opposing ends, a generally open top, whereby spools of elongate material can be placed side-by-sided in the trough in a generally upright orientation, the spools being slidingly rotatable within the trough, and having a movable end stop extending into the trough, configured to abut a side of a spool to provide lateral support thereto.

In accordance with yet another aspect thereof, the invention provides a method for storing spools of elongate material, comprising the steps of placing one or more spools of elongate material on edge in an elongate trough having a front edge, the spools being oriented so that a free end of the elongate material is accessible by pulling the free end toward the front edge, thereby slidingly rotating the spool within the trough.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a spool organizer configured in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of the spool organizer of FIG. 1 with numerous spools of ribbon and the like stored therein;

FIG. 2 is a close-up end perspective view of an embodiment of a spool organizer configured in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the spool organizer of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the spool organizer of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

As noted above, hobbyists, scrapbookers, etc. often desire to keep on hand a variety of materials that are stored on spools, such as ribbon, lace, wire, etc., and keep them in a readily accessible arrangement. While there are a variety of devices that have been developed for storing spools of goods, some of these these have characteristics that complicate their use.

Advantageously, the inventor has developed a spool organizer system that holds and organizes multiple sizes of spools in a convenient, easy to use manner, and which allows spools to be added or removed from the storage device easily, without having to manipulate the holding device. One embodiment of a spool organizer device in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The spool organizer device 10 generally comprises an elongate trough 12 with a front wall 14, a back wall 16, a bottom (18 in FIGS. 2-3) and end panels 20. An upper rail 22 and lower rail 24 extend between the end panels. The trough 12 can be of a variety of materials, such as metal, polymer etc. Polymer materials such as polyethylene, PVC, etc. are desirable because of their strength, durability, low cost and low weight. The upper and lower rails 22, 24 can be of metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, etc.

Referring to FIG. 1B, when in use, a plurality of spools 26 of ribbon, wire, lace or other similar spool-stored materials are held standing upright (i.e. on edge) in the trough 12. The spools can slidingly rotate when a user pulls a free end of material from one of the spools. In the view of FIG. 1B, many of the spools have free ends 28 of ribbon, etc. hanging down over the front edge 30 of the trough 12. This makes it convenient to add a spool to or remove a spool from the group of spools. Unlike some other spool storage devices, there is no need to detach a central rod or dowel to add or remove a spool, or to slide other spools out of the way to gain access to one particular spool. Instead, a user can simply drop a new spool into a space in the trough 12, or grab one spool that is in the trough and remove it whenever desirable.

The upper and lower rails 22, 24 help strengthen the trough assembly, and also serve other purposes. Attached to the upper rail is a sliding end stop 32, shown in FIGS. 1A and 2. The end stop includes an upper tab 34 for grasping by a user, and a lower panel portion 36 that extends down into the trough. The end stop is configured to slide laterally along the upper rail, in the direction of arrow 38 in FIG. 1A, to abut the last spool in a group of spools 26, to hold the spools in the upright position and keep them in place when the trough is not full of spools. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the end stop is drawn up against the last spool 26 a in the group of spools, and holds all of the spools against each other. This keeps the spools together and upright, which is desirable for narrow spools, such as are frequently used for ribbon, lace, etc.

The aperture 40 of the end stop 32 is configured to bind against the upper rail 22 to resist sliding when force is applied to the panel portion 36, because such an eccentric force tends to rotate the end stop about a vertical axis, which rotates the end stop aperture and presses against the rail, thereby increasing friction between the end stop and the rail. However, the end stop slides easily along the rail when a user grasps and pushes the tab 34 of the end stop because this does not cause such a pronounced twisting effect. When in place against a group of spools, the force between the end stop and the last spool can be sufficient to hold the spools in place, but low enough to allow the spools to easily slide and rotate against each other or against the panel of the end stop (in the case of the last spool 26 a).

With the end stop 32 in place against the last spool 26 a, an empty space 42 is left in the end of the trough 12. While a single end stop 32 is shown in FIG. 1B, more than one end stop can be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, one or more additional end stops 44 (shown in dashed lines) can be provided. Multiple end stops can allow a user to segregate different types of spools or materials if desired, leaving multiple empty spaces at various locations in the trough.

The lower rail 24 of the spool organizer 10 provides a storage location for remnants or scraps of material that have been removed from a spool. On occasion, a spool may contain a very small remnant of material. In such a case it may be desirable to remove the spool to make room for another spool. Alternatively, small remnants of material may not stay secured to the spool, making it desirable to remove them from the spool. However, placing such remnants in a location away from the spool organizer device can hinder the efficient use of these leftovers by placing them out of sight. In such a case, the remnants can be attached to the lower rail 24. As shown in FIG. 1B, a plurality of clips 46 can be used to attach the remnants 48 to the lower rail. This places the remnants in easy reach, and allows the spool organizer to be provided with spools that are more full. In one embodiment, the organizer device can accommodate from about 40 to 80 or more clips for holding remnants.

A spool organizer system configured in accordance with the present disclosure can include additional features for convenience and utility. The end panels 20 of the trough 12 can include a tool storage slot 50, for storing scissors or other tools in a convenient location. Tool storage slots 20 are shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 4. Shown in FIG. 1B is a pair of scissors 52 placed with the cutting end in the tool storage slot and the handle extending upward, for easy access by a user.

Additionally, a measuring scale 54 can be provided on the trough 12 to facilitate measuring lengths of the elongate material. As shown in FIG. 1A, the measuring scale is affixed along the bottom region of the front wall 14 of the trough. The measuring scale allows a user to easily pull material from a spool, measure it by holding the material along the scale, and cut to length. After the material is cut, the user can take the cut piece and manually roll the spool backward to take up the remainder. The location of the measuring scale can vary. While the measuring scale in FIG. 1B is disposed along the front wall of the spool organizer, it could alternatively be placed along the top surface 55 of the back wall 16 of the trough, or in other locations.

The measuring scale 54 can be provided upon the trough 12 in a variety of ways. For example, a separate measuring tape or ruler-type device can be attached (e.g. with adhesive, fasteners, etc.) to the trough. Alternatively, a measuring scale of raised markings can be provided on the trough, such as by injection molding. As another alternative, indicia that create a measuring scale can be printed onto the trough, such as with ink. In another embodiment, one or more adhesive-backed printed measuring tapes can be attached to the trough as stickers. As yet another alternative, a flexible or extensible measuring tape can be attached to the trough. Any method that provides a usable elongate length scale that is attached to the trough can be used. For example, the flexible or extensible measuring tape can be slidably attached to the upper rail 22, for example, allowing a user to move the beginning point of the measuring tape to a point adjacent to any desired spool, pull out a length of material along the tape, then cut to length, thus leaving no remnant hanging down, and therefore not requiring the spool to be rewound.

The size and shape of the trough 12 can vary. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3, the trough can have a decorative shape, with a curved front wall 14 for a pleasing profile. It is generally desirable that the shape of the trough be compatible with round spools. For example, it can be seen that the curved front wall of the trough shown in FIG. 3 provides a shape that generally approximates the curvature of the spools 26. Nevertheless, other shapes can also be used. The end panels 20, one of which is seen in the view of FIG. 3, add significant strength to the trough assembly, and provide an anchorage location for the upper and lower rails 22, 24. The end panels can have a shape that is similar to the cross-sectional shape of the trough.

In the view of FIG. 3, it can be seen how spools 26 of different sizes, such as spools 26 b, 26 c, easily rest in the trough, despite their different diameters. Since this spool organizer does not include a center rod, the alignment of the center holes 27 b, c of the spools does not matter. The inventor has produced a ribbon organizer that holds spools up to 4¼″ diameter, and another that holds spools up to 6″ in diameter. Other sizes can also be used. As a practical matter, a spool will not fit into a trough that is not large enough for it, and very small spools can become difficult to reach if they are placed between much larger spools in a large trough.

The length of the trough can also vary. Spool organizers in accordance with the present disclosure have been made in 18″ and 36″ lengths. Other sizes can also be used. A 36″ length is considered very useful in some applications because it can allow for a 36″ measuring scale (54 in FIG. 1B), which allows a user to measure and cut materials by the yard. A shorter spool organizer may be desirable where the spools are larger or the material they hold is heavier.

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the back wall 16 of the trough 12 can include fastener slots 60 for allowing the trough to be mounted to a wall or other support surface (not shown) using screws, nails, or other fasteners (62 in FIG. 3). A fastener cover 64 can be provided to cover the fastener slots and fasteners after installation, for a pleasing appearance. In the views of FIGS. 1-2, the top surface 55 of the back wall 16 is defined by the fastener cover. This cover can be configured to snap onto the back wall of the trough with a friction fit for easy installation or removal, while providing a neat, finished appearance.

The invention thus provides a device that holds and organizes spools of elongate material in a convenient, easy to use manner, and which holds multiple spools of multiple sizes. It also provides a spool organizer device that allow spools to be added or removed easily, without having to manipulate the holding device. It does not use a central rod or dowel for holding the spools, and provides a sliding/binding end stop for holding spools in place. The system also includes structure for holding scraps or remnants of materials, and tools in easy reach.

By way of example, and without limitation, the invention can be described as a spool organizer, comprising an elongate trough, having end walls on opposing ends, a back configured for attachment to a generally vertical support structure, and having a generally open top, whereby spools of elongate material can be placed side-by-sided in the trough in a generally upright orientation.

As another example, the invention can be described as a spool organizer, comprising an elongate trough, having end walls on opposing ends, a generally open top, whereby spools of elongate material can be placed side-by-sided in the trough in a generally upright orientation, the spools being slidingly rotatable within the trough, and having a movable end stop extending into the trough, configured to abut a side of a spool to provide lateral support thereto.

As yet another example, the invention can be described as a method for storing spools of elongate material, comprising the steps of placing one or more spools on edge in an elongate trough having a front edge, oriented so that a free end of the elongate material on any of the spools is accessible by pulling the free end toward the front edge, thereby slidingly rotating the spool within the trough.

It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements in form, usage and details of implementation can be devised without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles, concepts, and scope of the invention as disclosed herein and set forth in the claims. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims. 

1. A spool organizer, comprising: an elongate trough, having; end walls on opposing ends; a back configured for attachment to a generally vertical support structure; and a generally open top, whereby spools of elongate material can be placed side-by-side in the trough in a generally upright orientation.
 2. A spool organizer in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a movable end stop, extending into the trough, configured to abut a side of a spool to provide lateral support thereto.
 3. A spool organizer in accordance with claim 2, further comprising: an upper rail, extending between the opposing end walls, the end stop being slidably attached to the upper rail; and the end stop further comprising a substantially vertical panel portion, extending downward into the trough, and a tab, positioned for manual contact by a user, the end stop being configured to resist sliding upon the upper rail in response to force applied upon the panel portion, and to slide in response to force applied upon the tab.
 4. A spool organizer in accordance with claim 2, further comprising multiple movable end stops.
 5. A spool organizer in accordance with claim 1, further comprising means for attaching remnants of the elongate material to the spool organizer.
 6. A spool organizer in accordance with claim 5, wherein the means for attaching remnants of the elongate material to the spool organizer comprises: a lower rail, extending between the end walls; and a plurality of clips, attachable to the lower rail, configured for releasably holding the remnants.
 7. A spool organizer in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a measuring scale, associated with the elongate trough.
 8. A spool organizer in accordance with claim 7, wherein the measuring scale is selected from the group consisting of: a measuring tape fixedly attached to a front wall of the elongate trough; a ruler attached to the front wall of the trough; raised length markings in a surface of the trough; printed length indicia on a surface of the trough; a flexible measuring tape attached to the trough; and an extensible measuring tape attached to the trough.
 9. A spool organizer in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a tool storage slot, provided in an end wall of the trough.
 10. A spool organizer in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of fastener locations along the back wall, positioned for passage of fasteners for attachment of the elongate trough to the support structure; and a fastener cover, removably attachable to hide the fastener locations from view.
 11. A spool organizer, comprising: an elongate trough, having end walls on opposing ends; a generally open top, whereby spools of elongate material can be placed side-by-sided in the trough in a generally upright orientation, the spools being slidingly rotatable within the trough; and a movable end stop, extending into the trough, configured to abut a side of a spool to provide lateral support thereto.
 12. A spool organizer in accordance with claim 11, further comprising a plurality of clips, removably attachable to the elongate trough, configured for releasably holding remnants of the elongate material.
 13. A spool organizer in accordance with claim 11, further comprising a measuring scale, associated with the elongate trough.
 14. A spool organizer in accordance with claim 11, wherein the movable end stop comprises: a substantially vertical panel portion, extending downward into the trough; and a tab, positioned for manual contact by a user, the end stop being configured to resist sliding in response to force applied upon the panel portion, and to slide in response to force applied upon the tab.
 15. A spool organizer in accordance with claim 11, further comprising tool storage means, provided in an end wall of the trough.
 16. A method for handling elongate material stored on spools, comprising the steps of: placing one or more spools of elongate material on edge in an elongate trough having a front edge; and orienting the spools so that a free end of the elongate material is accessible by pulling the free end toward the front edge, thereby slidingly rotating the spool within the trough.
 17. A method in accordance with claim 16, further comprising the step of sliding a movable end stop within the elongate trough against a lateral side of an end one of the spools, to retain the spools on edge.
 18. A method in accordance with claim 16, further comprising the step of removing one of the spools by manually withdrawing the spool from a generally open top of the trough.
 19. A method in accordance with claim 16, further comprising the steps of orienting a portion of the free end of material along a length measuring scale, associated with the elongate trough, and cutting the free end to a desired length.
 20. A method in accordance with claim 16, further comprising the step of storing remnants of the elongate material on clips, removably attachable to the elongate trough. 